ASK IRA: How much will 2019-20 Heat prioritize development?

Q: There are two kinds of Heat fans that I come across. There are the kinds that want Erik Spoelstra to stop being foolish and play his best players, and the kinds that use inaccurate statistics to hype up the young players as something they aren't. People have got to relax and stop hyping up the Justise Winslows, Bam Adebayos, Derrick Jones Jr.'s and Tyler Herros of the world. Nothing is more frustrating than seeing someone use their age as an excuse for why they don't play well, or use the summer league as a means to hype up Tyler Herro a kid who really isn't a little that efficient a shooter. They are below average. -- Reggie, Boston.

A: If the Heat were in contention mode, I would have a greater appreciation of your perspective. But if you are in the process of building toward something, then it's not as much where a player stands at the moment, but rather where (or where not) they're headed. As I've offered ad nauseum in this space, I take three views on players: Can they lead you to the playoff? Can they lead you to title contention? Can they lead you to a championship? Some also would note whether they have the potential to be an All-Star. At the moment, I believe the four you mention can get you to the playoffs. I'm not sure about any of the other criteria. So the ultimate question is how much further can each develop? If you believe that any or all of those you mentioned have maxed out, then, yes, I could appreciate a level of concern. But if you allow for the potential for development, then you have to allow for developmental through playing time. Even if you're not necessarily playing your "best" players.

A: This was in response for insisting James Johnson will be a rotation player this season. I would caution that no matter how the initial rotation shakes out, it is not uncommon for Heat players to re-emerge from the deep freeze. The rotation in October could look far different than the rotation in December or March. But you also can't showcase a player if you don't show him.

Q: I am looking forward to the Miami Heat playing lock-down defense in the final few minutes of close games with Jimmy Butler, Justise Winslow and Bam Adebayo. Hopefully locking teams up on defense becomes a nice habit leading to Ws. -- Stuart, Miami.

A: And, yet, I do wonder if opponents would attempt to seize on Bam Adebayo with size. At moments of truth, there are plenty of big men who either can score over Bam or through him. Being an active, undersized center might well work through the first 46 minutes. But the moments of truth are what we have to see next.